Watch Vera Ellen's Video For New Single 'Lenny Says'

Winner of the Best Alternative Artist Tūī at the 2022 Aotearoa Music Awards, Vera Ellen delivers dry, deadpan lyrics amidst a backing of strong, guitar led instrumentation in the Poneke-based songwriter's new single 'Lenny Says', released last Friday ahead of her forthcoming Flying Nun album Ideal Home Noise. Various friends appear to plot and scheme alongside Ellen in the beachy, rural setting of the accompanying video — directed by recent UTR acting editor Annabel Kean, produced by Sports Team and made with support from NZ On Air. Hit play on the angsty anthem and look forward to the full album at the end of this month, launching in sync with a nationwide release tour kicking off on 31st March...

"I wrote Lenny Says to make fun of myself at rock bottom. It was actually initially for my album Beat Yr Name (2018) but I felt it was too cheesy at the time. Now, I can see the humour in it. The two verses were genuinely written three years apart — though clearly the angst did not dwindle. It's a track for us whining broke losers with unattainable dreams; having a laugh and a moan at the same time.

If you cried in Carpenter, you will scream in Lenny Says. My band joins me for some diabolical plotting and scheming... but what exactly are we planning?? What we do best of course. And, listen, I won't have any of your judgement. We all do crazy things to maintain our youth and glory!"

'Ideal Home Noise' is out digitally, on vinyl and CD on Friday March 31st via Flying Nun Records — preorders available HERE.